Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425˚F.

Step 2

Rinse the bones and place them into a large roasting pan.

Step 3

Roast uncovered in a preheated oven until the bones are brown, about 35-45 minutes. Toss about halfway through so everything browns evenly.

Step 4

Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Use tongs to remove the bones from the roasting pan and place them into a large stockpot.

Step 5

Add 1 cup of the water to the hot roasting pan to deglaze the pan. As the water steams, scrape the pan with a wooden spoon to release the flavor infused brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the flavorful liquid to your pot.

Step 6

To your stockpot, add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, sage, rosemary, peppercorns, and enough water to cover the bones by a couple of inches, about 4 quarts.

Step 7

Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the pot to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam.

Step 8

Remove the beef bones and vegetables from the stock using tongs or a slotted spoon. Strain the stock into a large container or extra canning jars. Discard the solids. Let the stock cool completely, and then refrigerate overnight. Can the beef stock the following day.

Step 9

The next day, prepare the canning equipment by washing the jars, lids, bands, and canning tools in hot soapy water and rinsing thoroughly. Set the lids and bands aside until you are ready to use them.

Step 10

Place the jar rack into the pressure canner, set the jars in the canner, add water to the jars and fill canner to submerge the jars. Cover the canner and bring it to a simmer (180˚F), and warm the jars for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until you are ready to fill them.

Step 11

Remove the beef stock from the refrigerator and skim off the fat that has risen to the top. Discard excess fat.

Step 12

Return the stock to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 13

Spread a kitchen towel on the counter. Use the jar lifter to remove a jar from the canner, drain, and place on the towel. Keep the remaining jars in the canner, so they stay hot.

Step 14

Use the canning funnel and ladle and fill the jar with hot stock, leaving a 1-inch headspace at the top of the jar.

Step 15

Swirl the bubble popper through the jar and wipe the rim. Center a lid on the jar, place the band over the lid, and screw it on until fingertip tight.

Step 16

Use the jar lifter to place the jar back on the rack in the canner, and repeat with the rest of the jars until the canner is filled, or you run out of stock. If you have leftovers, store in the refrigerator or freeze for longer.

Step 17

Once the filled jars are all in canner, adjust the water level per your pressure canner's instructions.

Step 18

Place the lid on the canner and lock it. Leave the vent open, adjust the heat to medium-high, and bring the canner to a boil. Allow the pressure canner to vent steam for 10 minutes, then place the pressure regulator on top of the air vent, and watch the pressure rise.

Step 19

Once the canner has reached the correct pressure (10 pounds for weighted gauge, and 11 pounds for dial gauge canners.), set a timer, and process pint jars for 20 minutes and quart jars for 25 minutes at altitudes of less than 1,000 ft.

Step 20

Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady pressure, and adjust altitude if necessary (see chart below).

Step 21

When processing time is complete, turn off the heat, and let the pressure canner cool down to 0 pressure on its own. Once the canner is depressurized, let the canner cool additional 10 minutes before removing the lid.

Step 22

Spread a kitchen towel on the counter, unlock the cover, and remove it by tilting the lid away from you so that steam does not burn your face.

Step 23

Allow another 10 minutes for the jars to adjust to the change in pressure. If jars are still boiling, let them sit in the canner for another 5 minutes, or until the boiling stops.

Step 24

Use the jar lifter to lift jars carefully from canner and place on the towel. Keep the jars upright, and don't tighten bands or check the seals yet. Let the jars sit undisturbed for 12 to 24-hours to cool.

Step 25

After 12 to 24-hours, check to be sure jar lids have sealed by pushing on the center. The lid should not pop up. If the lid flexes up and down when the center is pressed, it did not seal. Refrigerate the jar and use up within a few days, or transfer to a freezer container and freeze for up to 6 months.

Step 26

Remove the ring bands, wash, label, date, and store in a cool, dark location (50 to 70 degrees F). Use within a year for the best quality. Yields about 8 pints or 4 quarts depending on how long you cooked the stock.